I'm Engaged

Last Saturday night, at around sunset, I popped the question.
I've had the ring for a while and I already had her dad's permission to ask her, so what was stopping me? I wanted to see how long I could wait.
Saturday, September 12th, 2008 was our one year anniversary, she wanted me to ask her then, I told her I wouldn't. I was going to ask her the following Saturday, just because, but her parents are leaving on a cruise the following Sunday, so her mother convinced me otherwise.
In my original plan, Nicole's cousin, Emily, was going to be there to take some cool pictures without her knowing. The night before, I had to quickly text Em and see if she could still do it, and she said sure. So, Saturday night after choir practice, Nicole and I went to the beach just to see the beauty of it all. Unfortunately, I had did not know where exactly Emily was. After a few frustrating minutes, I called her. She told me to scoot over so that she could get a really good picture, so I scooted. Nicole had no idea what was going on, so she was wondering why I was scooting. When Em told me that I was in a good place, I got Nicole to come close to me and I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said yes, of course.
Don't ask me how exactly I said it, because I don't remember those 10 seconds that I was on my knee, I had some sort of black-out from all the excitement. Nicole doesn't remember either, strangely enough.
After I called my parents and Nicole called hers, we made tracks to her house, where her whole family was waiting with a little party all set up. After which Nicole and I went to dinner at this super nice restaurant, in celebration of our anniversary/engagement.

AHTCHOooooo!

Wow. It has been quite a bit of time since I posted here...you can tell from the layers of dust and all the cobwebs and all the squatters and all the hobo fires...I think I've made my point.
What has happened since I last posted? Quite a lot. Lets start with the most important.
I have bought and paid for an engagement ring for my long-time girlfriend/ better-half Anna Nicole Braun (sorry I didn't call you cyp, there is an explanation coming shortly). Last saturday I took her dad out to lunch and asked his permission for his daughters hand in marraige, he said yes. Don't worry, Nicole already know all about this, she just doesn't know when I will ask her to marry me, if you are a sibling of mine and want to know when I will be asking her, ask Mom and Dad for my new number.
Next important thing, Nicole and I bought a car. We were fortunate to be at the right place at the right time. Someone at our church, St. Barnabas (stbarnabasoc.org) was going to college in San Diego and she didn't need a car, and she knew that Kel (Nicole) and I needed a car. She got ahold of Kel of Facebook and told her that she was leaving town for school and that if it was okay with her parents (the actual owners of the vehicle) she would be totally willing to sell us her car, a 1986 Volvo. After we talked to her parents, they said that they would sell us the car for $500. Kel and I thought that that would be barely affordable for us so we accepted, so on the same day I took Kels dad to lunch to ask that fateful question, I meet The Lehmans at the Auto Club, where we changed the title to my name and I paid them the money, I drove for the first time since last December.
The next important thing that happaned is my old cell phone broke. Basically it shorted out. Whenever I try to turn it on it shows the loading screen, loads all the way and then turns off. Same thing if I take out the battery and plug the phone into the wall, no go. That is why I haven't been calling people. All my contacts are in the phone and not my head, so go figure.
Oh yeah! One more important thing, I got my own netbook. Basically it is a laptop that is most effective when used to surf the web or type a paper for school. It's pretty sweet and that is what I'm using right now to type this!

P.S some of you might have noticed that I left out some recent good news. I started this before it happaned and I didn't get around to finishing this until now.

"You've been here before, haven't you..."

Well, I got another job. I am now, once again, a Wal*Mart associate. Every day that I work there I am mentally kicking myself in the butt. I could have tried to get a transfer, which means that I would have Medical and Dental insurence as well as my discount card. When I was getting ready to move I thought, "I don't like working here, I can find a job easily enough." WRONG! I just got hired by them and it's my first real job.
I have been hired by Vector Marketing to sell Cutco products but...that job relies on people, and having lots of friends and connections. So basically it was the worst job I could get here.
I know what your thinking, "Is there any good news James?" the answer is yes.
Nicole and I have been dating for 5 months now, and I'm getting 854 dollars back from The Man. YAY!

I'll see ya next time (Lavar Burton)
JP

A place to call my own

Well, I finally did it. I got my own place. After many hours searching and toiling on craigslist, and driving, I found a place.
My first choice was a nice place in the same town as St. Barnabas, Nicole and I went there after church one Sunday. I was interested, she thought the landlord was a creepy, "hard-core Prod". I didn't think he was that weird until that night.
That night he called me up and asked me some run-o-the mill landlord questions like, if I don't make enough money to pay the rent do I have some money saved up, am I a clean person, et cetera. Then he asked me questions about my church. He started off with, "You said you go to St. Barnabas, that sounds Catholic, are you Catholic?" I tried to explain that I'm Orthodox and how it's different from Catholicism. Then he said, "There is someone here I'd like you to talk to, he lives in a separate building out back and has his own bathroom. He is a professor and his name is Bob." He then handed the phone to Bob who asked me more questions about my faith and at one point even said, "...now the Orthodox church I think is real similar to Protestant churches?" It was bad.
So the next morning, Nicole and I again went on Craigslist to look for a cheaper place. Lo and behold we found one that was $400 a month for rent and was two streets over. I called the guy up and got the address, which was hard because he had a thick Asian accent.
Nicole thought that this was going to turn out bad and thought that the place might be in an area called "Little Saigon" (an area in this part of California that has a lot of Asians in it) and she also thought that the guy wouldn't like me because I'm White.
I went there, found out it wasn't in "Little Saigon", that the guy wasn't racist enough to refuse me, and I also found out why it was so cheap. The room is little more than a glorified closet next to a bathroom that I have to share with another "Caucasian" ( the word my landlord used) who smokes. I figured this was a lot better than being hassled for my faith so I took it.
After I payed the guy for my room, I called up the other guy (Bill) whose place I looked at first and told him I was no longer interested. He said that was okay and then asked if he could say a prayer for me. I thought, "What the hey? It won't hurt me, he's just being nice in his own way." So he said one of those on-the-spot Protestant prayers and ended it with, "...and we ask this in your son's name amen."
So that's my finding-a-place-of-my-own adventure. My new address is 8811 Rathburn ave. Westminster Ca, 92683. In case anyone still needs to send me a Christmas present or anything...
Saiyonara!

Alms?!

Well, I had that interview at Noah's Bagals and I didn't get called back for another interview. I called them today and the manager said I still might get a call back in a week or so. I have had several other interviews in the meantime. First, I interviewed at Goodwill, you'd think that they'd hire me right? Wrong! Turns out that they can't give me every Sunday off, and since I'm a religious man, I turned it down. Then, I had an open interview at a restaurant called "Lazy Dog" it seems like a cool place, that was two days ago and when I called earlier today all the managers were too busy to talk to me so I'll try again tomorow. Also, I applied at a Subway near here and I haven't heard back from them yet...
However, there is an upside to all this, because I can't afford a car and I don't want to rely on others to get me around, I have been getting around on a bike. I am getting tons of exersise. The Goodwill is about a 30 minute bike ride one way. At least I'll be in shape right?

Successful hunt?

I may have had a successful job hunt. Tomorrow (techinically today because it's 1:30 in the morning) I have an interview at a place that is actually hiring! If that doesn't work out, I might have another opportunity on monday at a restaurant. All in all, I am having a pretty good time here in sunny and outragiously warm California!
Good day all!

That's Life

Well, here I am still in California and still no job or transportation. However as we speak I am playing E-mail tag with a guy selling a bike on craigslist. I also have just recently turned in about 14 billion applications to places near where I am currently staying. I have only had one promising lead for a job, and that is at a bank being a teller about 3 miles from here. What can I say? Most of my family is freezing their buns off and I am here in 70 degree weather. I just hope that I can find a job and a bike and a place to love soon. The plan is, once I get a job and a place to live and I'm settled down a wee bit, I start looking for a car for el cheapo. I have to say, its scary living without the parents, but it is also feels quite liberating.
Until next time.

The new and inproved me

Well, I finally got to move. I have wanted to move my whole life, don't ask me why, and now I've done it. Thus far it doesn't seem like I've moved, it just seems like I'm on a vacation. But because I started having to look for work, I am getting this feeling of lonelyness. Do I miss my family? Not as much as I thought I would. I miss knowing where everything is. So far I have been places and I have no idea where I am going. I finally got a bus sceduale, but it is huge and I have no idea where I am going, still.
My good friend Derek's Grandmother is in charge of linin and sterilization at a hospitol in Whittier, Ca. I was/am hoping to get a job there, but again, I have no idea where it is. I feel so lost, yet free at the same time.
I am living with Nicole's family at the moment (Nicole is my girlfriend) and they have been very helpful in a lot of ways. Nicole's mom said she could help me write a resume and has put out the word at their church that I need a roommate or two. I just hope everything falls into place soon.

Last Weekend in Alaska

Well, this was my last weekend in Alaska. So, as part of my Christmas present from my Grandma Patras, my parents took my little brother and myself to Alyeska Ski Resort to ski and stay for two days.
We left the house Friday morning and John and I started skiing. I don't know what they do in the rest of the country, but up here at Aly, they changed the lift-ticketing system. When I started skiing it was just a little wire thing that you stuck this sticker that was a specific colour and had the day's date on it. Last season they changed it to those plastic bands, like what Air Marshals use to handcuff people on planes, and they used bar codes on them to let you on the lifts. Then, they changed them again this season to little plastic cards that get scanned automatically by this big 'ol things that just sit there.
We skied Friday and Saturday. I left early, because I hadn't been to church in like a month so I left in time to buy my girlfriend a present and get to Vespers on Saturday, while the rest of my family stayed another night.
Then today I just sat around and talked to my girlfriend on the phone.
Isn't my life just exciting!
JP

Unemployment

Well, for those of you who don't live within a 500 yard radius of me, today was my last day working at Wal*Mart. Finally! I was so stressed out near the end because I hated more that half of the people that I worked with and the fact that I had to be there at 3 am almost every day. Jonah (one of the "associates" that I actually like) made me some special pizza bread. Now, in the Wal*Mart Bakery, we make pizza bread using cheese bread, which we cut open and put a regulated number of slices of peperoni and a small amount of cheese inside and then close it up and reshape it. However, for me, because it was my last day, Jonah made me some using Jalepeno bread (we were out of the cheese bread). He made me 4 rolls and I gave him one to try and I bought the others. During his lunch and at the end of my last break, he shared some with me. It was delicious! You couldn't taste the jalepeno but you still got the spicy aftertaste...like heaven.
Anyway, the family and myself are going to Alyeska this weekend so that John and I can go skiing and we will be staying for 2 nights. I am going to drive myself back early so that I can go to church for vespers on saturday night and liturgy on sunday. Then I leave next friday! I am sooooooooooo excited! James out.

Musician update

Recently, with my new found power of a credit card, I have bought some music off of iTunes. Of course this is way different from my normal way of getting things for free but what the hey, right?

Anyway, I just wanted to share with all ya'll what I be gettin.



Blind Pilot - A band based out of Oregon, very mellow and just overall cool. If you like The Shins, you'll like them.

Bell X1 - A band based out of Ireland, very smooth and soothing. If you like People In Planes, you'll like them.

Jack Penate - Actually, his name has a squiggly above the "n" but I don't know how to do that. He is English with some Spanish. His music is very upbeat and happy for the most part. I can't think of another band to compare him to.

Slint - This is a very indie band from the 90's that never got any publicity or radio airtime. However I think that they are great. They are very unique in the fact that they usually don't sing so much as speak, so basically they are a bunch of beatniks? Again no comparison.

Throw Me The Statue - Is a modern indie band based out of Seattle. Their sound is very unique yet kind of generic. If you are into any indie band in general, it is hard not to like them.

That is all that I have for now. Peace, love and hugs.

Newsflash!

Newsflash! For all of you who pay attention, I just bought myself a ticket to California for the 26th of December. I am going to move down there so that I can be closer to my girlfriend Nicole Braun. Am I crazy? Perhaps, but I can't help it, I'm goin' to California!

That does it.

I moved into the "St. James House" which is also called, "The Big House" by other people in my neighborhood. It is something that my church set up for college aged Orthodox Christians. There is a host family that is in charge and sets rules and the like. This year the host family is the Frizzeles (I am totally certian that I spelled that wrong, you can call me on it if you want). I moved the most important stuff today and I hope I can keep most of my extra stuff at home. I will have limited web access so I won't be here as often (Because I knew you would be worried about that). I hope to have tons of fun.

It may be illegal

Well folks, I finally did it. I joined an online file-sharing program. I dig it. Thus far I have downloaded about 30 songs and about 3 videos (wholesome ones, you pervert!). If you want to know the name of it, I can sent it to you via e-mail because, "Big Brother Is Watching". So be safe and remember, something.

H.M.S Awesome

Well, last friday (the day after payday) I went to my place of work and purchased for myself, an eighty gigabyte iPod. It is black (like my old one, except my old one was 160-gigs and had 3 seasons of The Office (NBC) on it) and I named it "H.M.S Awesome" because I thought that was unique as well as wicked awesome. I am also looking forward to traveling to N.H for my family reunion (not really. I hate my family and all that.....not really). The part I am especially looking forward to is a trip to the Ben & Jerry's factoryorwhatever in Vermont. I didn't get to go there last time I was on the East Coast. However, I am determined to have fun. No matter what my siblings may say about my work.

Chemistry of a Car Crash...

Well, I got into a car wreck yesterday. I was driving with my buddy Derek, on our way to see Omdiecca play in Wasilla (Omdiecca is a band that I am friends with, my cousin is the bass player, and I am very well acquainted with the other two members). I was making a left turn at a light and the light was yellow. I did not see the truck until it was too late. It smashed into my car right about the front-right tire. Derek was unhurt and so was I (cuz I knew you were worried). Now I have to find another way to get to work. Right now I'm borrowing Kari's (my sister-in-law for all you stranger's out there) bike and I'm gonna ride to work. I found that it takes me an hour to get there (hey! I'm not in shape! Gimme a break!). But the best part is........................nothing. The whole deal just inhales vigorously, like a Vacuum cleaner.

Web Comics

Well it may seem nerdy, but I read Web Comics. There are currently three of them that I read on a regular basis (ie whenever they are updated). The first one that I read, called Questionable Content(http://questionablecontent.net/) I heard about from a friend of mine who was in both my Japanese and AP Bio classes at school. He said that I might like it because him and I always talk about Indie rock music, and the main character is really into Indie rock music. The second one I found off of the QC homepage where the author has a list of other web comics that he reads (I also found the third one there but that is for later), It is called Sam and Fuzzy (http://samandfuzzy.com/) I read it and just found it to be super funny, in my opinion. The third one I found is called Dr. McNinja (http://drmcninja.com/) It is about a Ninja who is a doctor (or visa versa) I found it especially funny because of the lucridity of what happens (his receptionist is an Ape and he has a Velocoraptor named Yoshi, which he requires in story line #3(ha! the "#" and the "3" are on the same key!)). I don't necessarily say that you should read them, but you should read them. Also, if you read them, you must read them from the beginning to understand what is going on. Enjoy!

Pearls of Wisdom

Well, yesterday was my first real day working at Wal Mart. Boy am I tired! I spent the first three hours helping Assistant Manager Peter (whom I know from previous experience, he is a cool cat) load palates full of beauty products and medicine stuff. Then I took a 15 minute break (required) and then I pushed carts inside until my "lunch" two hours later. I went home for my hour long lunch. When I got back I pushed carts in until about 8:30. I just got off my break when a CSM (customer service manager) came and said that they needed my help in the receiving area. Then for the next hour I helped drag palates of stuff out too the floor. Then I pushed carts for the next half-hour until it was quittin' time! Here is my take on my fellow Wal Mart employees, one of the other assistant managers kept on shaking my hand, this would happan every time I saw him (is he gay or something? Maybe just overly friendly?), also the CSM I was refering to earlier kept on making sure that I was taking my breaks. So all in all it is a pretty good place to work. I just got a cavity filled in. my face is still numb! I am so hungry...

Work work work...

Well, today was my first day off of my job. (hooray!) I am finished with orientation and I will begin my first real day on Sunday at 1 pm. Oh! I also get a bonus of an extra one dollar and hour for working on Sunday! (valid only for hours worked on Sundays. limit one per associate. not valid in the District of Columbia (not really).). So far, I am working Sunday through Thursday, 3 days of eight hours, 2 days of four hours (I think, I know at least two day a week I work less, but that is not cutting me too badly...). I get to find the joys of working for a big corporation like Wal Mart!

Got Job?

Well, today at around 1:30 pm local time, I got a call from Wal Mart saying that they got everything they needed and wanted to know when I would be available to start working. I told the lady on the phone that I could start today, she said that there was orientation this week from 3 pm to 9 pm every day. So I showed up in by blue shirt and jeans just before 3. There was 7 of us new "associates" (employees, why do that have to give it such a stupid name?). Not all of us work the same area. 2 of the women (one of whom is my age, very good looking and has a super hot southern accent) are cashiers, the only other woman was a "night stocker" (the name Wal Mart gives them, I have forgotten) one of the other males was a prescription drug stocker, and another male was an assembly man and the other male (boy really, he is like 14 or 15) is something else that I have forgotten. I am a "courtesy associate" which means that I push the carts inside, clean up spills and am basically a store "whipping boy" (I am not a boy, and I was going to use another word instead of what is in quotations, but I decided against it, I'd like to keep this family oriented). So today, we played a board game that "shows us how important customer satisfaction is" and watched a couple of video's, clocked in, filled out some paperwork and things of that nature. All in all, it was quite boring. Needless to say, I am not looking forward to being a "whipping boy" for eight hours a day...